Let me start my saying that self-publishing your first novel is an incredibly impressive and gutsy feat. This is exactly what Lauren Opper, the former Director of Publicity at Blackstone Publishing, has accomplished with the release of LET NOTHING ASTONISH YOU.

Opper obviously has been inspired by both the books she has read in her lifetime and those she worked on professionally. The result is a story that already has been compared to the likes of Dame Agatha Christie and the Knives Out films. At the center of this tale is a murder that is surrounded by numerous characters, each of whom had motive for the deadly deed. We then have another classic mystery element, the shrewd detective, who is called upon to make sense of the insanity and uncover who is responsible.

"LET NOTHING ASTONISH YOU is not just a title named for a quotation located at the castle. It’s a warning to readers to be on your guard and try your best to figure this one out before the big reveal."

The action takes place in Glamis, Connecticut, which is pronounced Glahms in recognition of its Scottish etymology. We begin to meet the plethora of characters who will be called together for the literary-themed costume birthday party of the wealthy Merlin Glenmore, which is scheduled for April Fools’ Day. In this case, Merlin may turn out to be the fool because he has invited at least one killer to this gathering.

Before we go any further, Opper provides us with a brief backstory set in 1869 at Glenhurst Castle, which will be the site of this celebration. Here, we read a letter in which Ernest G. Glenmore is commissioning a nearby cabinet maker to create some unique and special items for his castle. This needs to be kept in mind later for the fun to come at the same location.

Due to the enormous cast, I advise you to keep a checklist or a scorecard handy if you are going to attempt to solve this mystery from your armchair. To name a few characters, we have some members of the Glenmore family --- including Jade; Robin, who is in a same-sex relationship; and teenager Scott; author Lewis Waterhouse; Italian restaurant owner Sal Marotta and his son, Justin; and Justin’s wife, Sarah, whose parents are Carl and Greta. Carl happens to be the detective who will take on the eventual murder case.

Merlin is Jade’s younger brother and is turning 50. Attending the festivities will be many people from town, both friend and foe to Merlin, in addition to his wife, Arielle, who is far younger than him and often rumored to have a roaming eye. Not only are guests dressed as various historical and fictional figures, the evening is filled with supernatural games. When a staged séance is performed, some very unplanned things begin to happen, like random knocking and people turning up where they are not supposed to be.

The biggest surprise comes when Merlin is found with a dagger in his chest in what guests initially assume is just another theatrical stunt. When it turns out to be very real, panic ensues and the authorities are called. What proceeds from here is a detailed and quite twisty investigation. I will not disclose any more information for fear of giving away something vital.

LET NOTHING ASTONISH YOU is not just a title named for a quotation located at the castle. It’s a warning to readers to be on your guard and try your best to figure this one out before the big reveal.